Rep. Ron McNair

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution in Arkansas authorizes the introduction of a bill that would require digital asset mining businesses to pay fees to the state for using large amounts of electricity. The proposed law establishes a tiered fee structure where businesses pay between $25,000 and $100,000 annually based on how many megawatts of power they consume in a month. It also mandates that these companies submit energy usage estimates before starting operations and face penalties or criminal charges if they knowingly provide false information. Any money collected from these fees would be split among state agencies to fund oversight, monitoring, and operational expenses related to regulating the industry.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the introduction of legislation requiring digital asset miners and mining businesses in Arkansas to notify state and local officials before acquiring land or starting construction for mining facilities. The proposed law would mandate that these businesses file a written notice with the Arkansas Public Service Commission and the relevant local government at least six months prior to purchasing, leasing, or beginning work on a site. This notification requirement is designed to give authorities advance warning of potential new mining operations, though the bill itself is currently a procedural resolution that did not advance out of committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the introduction of legislation to regulate how blockchain networks and digital asset mining operations affect water supplies and the electrical grid in Arkansas. It would require the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission to monitor water usage by these industries and allow them to shut down operations that excessively deplete critical groundwater. Additionally, it would task the Arkansas Public Service Commission with monitoring the impact on the electric grid and permitting utilities to cut power to mining sites that threaten grid reliability. The proposed rules implementing these measures must be finalized and filed with the Secretary of State by January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the introduction of legislation to change how Arkansas regulates digital asset mining. It removes the current exemption that allows individuals and businesses mining cryptocurrency at home to operate without a money transmitter license. Under the proposed changes, anyone engaged in home or commercial digital asset mining would be required to obtain a license by September 1, 2026. The bill is currently a procedural resolution that died in committee and does not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes prohibiting digital asset miners in Arkansas from using computers or software developed by specific foreign entities, including those from China and Russia. The law defines these restricted entities as those on U.S. government screening lists, those domiciled in China or Russia, or any subsidiaries controlled by them. If a miner violates this rule, they face a Class A misdemeanor charge for a first offense and a Class D felony for subsequent violations. Ultimately, the bill did not become law as it died in committee before the end of the legislative session.

Maddy summaryThis bill, which did not advance beyond committee, would update Arkansas laws to regulate digital asset mining businesses and clarify the authority of local governments. It requires mining operations to comply with existing state and local rules, pay all applicable taxes, and use specific noise-reduction techniques like liquid cooling or fully enclosed equipment. The legislation also prohibits local governments from banning home mining, requiring permits for it, or imposing stricter noise limits on mining than on other data centers.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the Arkansas homestead property tax credit for property owners, raising the annual reduction in real property taxes from $600 to $675. The change applies to assessment years starting on or after January 1, 2026, directly benefiting homeowners who qualify for the credit. By amending the state code, the legislation provides a slightly larger tax relief amount for eligible residents without altering other tax provisions.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1534 proposes to increase the existing homestead property tax credit. This bill directly affects homeowners by reducing the amount of property taxes they owe on their primary residence. The key mechanism is an adjustment to the credit amount, providing a larger tax reduction for eligible households.

Maddy summarySB 526 proposed to prohibit the retail sale of specific disposable vapor products in Arkansas. It defined a "disposable vapor product" as one with a non-detachable battery that cannot be refilled and is designed for disposal after use. The bill would have banned retailers from selling such products if they originated from a "prohibited foreign party." The Director of Arkansas Tobacco Control could seize non-compliant products, with violations being a Class A misdemeanor, although FDA-approved products were exempt. A 90-day grace period was included for businesses to liquidate existing inventory.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 204 proposes to exempt certain financial gains from state gross income for tax purposes. This exemption would apply to taxpayers whose property is acquired by a government or entity under the right of eminent domain or the threat of condemnation. Essentially, any profit a property owner makes from such a forced sale would not be considered taxable income under this bill.